Name: Easy Instant Pot Brisket
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon paprika; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1 tablespoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon mustard powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 4 pounds beef brisket (trimmed); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 garlic cloves (minced); 2 cups beef broth; BBQ sauce for serving

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Tender, juicy Instant Pot brisket with a flavorful spice rub, cooked to perfection in 90 minutes. Serve with BBQ sauce or Instant Pot gravy!

A white oval plate with sliced cooked pot roast, perfect for an Easy Brisket recipe, is garnished with sprigs of fresh thyme on a marble countertop. An Instant Pot pressure cooker is partially visible in the upper left corner.

I used to be so overwhelmed by dishes that take hours to make. I didn't want to spend so much time and effort working on something that might not taste as good as I expected. Brisket was one of those intimidating dishes, I didn't want to waste time, effort, and money on expensive meat that could easily go wrong.

The Instant Pot has become one of my go-to kitchen appliances, turning complicated dishes and tough cuts of meat into something easily achievable. Before, I only attempted brisket when my parents were over so they could teach me how to achieve their fork-tender results, but now I can make it even on weeknights with minimal hands-on work.

This brisket recipe is so tender and smoky-sweet. You'll recognize the slightly caramelized crust, the savory garlic and onion undertones, and the hint of tang and earthiness from the other spices. We love serving this with either BBQ sauce or gravy made from the brisket drippings... trust me, once you try that gravy, you'll understand why this has become our most requested family dinner.

Instead of 12-14 hours of smoking, this only needs 90 minutes. At first, my husband was skeptical. Who would expect that Instant Pot brisket could mimic the traditional low-and-slow method? But when we tried it, all his skepticism disappeared and was replaced by requests for a second helping.

We love serving this with mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, or crustless zucchini quiche to balance out the meat. My kids love putting the gravy over everything, even their sides.

If you love traditional flavors but want to avoid the lengthy cooking methods, this recipe is exactly what you need. The Instant Pot turns what used to be an all-day project into something you can easily make on a weeknight without sacrificing any of that rich, tender brisket experience we all crave.

Ingredients

Beef Brisket – The centerpiece that makes or breaks this dish. I always look for a 4-pound piece with good marbling and a decent fat cap. The Instant Pot's pressure transforms this notoriously tough cut into fork-tender perfection in a fraction of the time it would take in a smoker.
Brown Sugar – This is my secret weapon in the spice rub. Unlike regular sugar, brown sugar adds molasses notes that complement the beef's richness while helping create that beautiful bark on the outside.
Paprika & Chili Powder – The backbone of any good BBQ rub. Paprika gives that gorgeous red color and mild sweetness, while chili powder brings warmth without overwhelming heat. I use sweet paprika, but smoked paprika works well too if you want that extra smoky depth.
Beef Broth – Creates the steam needed for pressure cooking while adding another layer of beefy flavor. I've tried using just water, but the broth makes a noticeable difference in the final taste.
Spice Blend (onion powder, oregano, mustard powder, cumin) – These spices round out the flavor profile. The mustard powder adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness, while cumin brings earthiness. If you're missing one or two, don't worry, the paprika and chili powder do most of the heavy lifting.

See the recipe card for exact quantities.

Step-by-step Instructions

A white oval plate holds sliced, cooked beef from an easy brisket recipe, garnished with sprigs of fresh thyme. A serving fork and spoon rest on the plate’s edge. The meat appears tender and well-seasoned.

I've made this brisket dozens of times, and it never fails to catch everyone's attention. The key is trusting the process and not rushing the pressure release.

Prepare the Spice Rub

A metal spoon rests in a glass container filled with a reddish-brown spice blend—perfect for an Easy Brisket recipe—containing visible flakes and granules, set on a light-colored speckled countertop.

Start by gathering all the spice rub ingredients: brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, mustard powder, and cumin. Measure each one and add them to a bowl. Use a fork to mix everything together until it’s well combined and the spices are evenly distributed.

Prepare the Brisket

A large, raw beef brisket coated with dry seasoning sits on a well-used, slightly stained metal baking sheet—perfect for trying an easy brisket recipe right at home.

Take the brisket and pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Using a sharp knife, cut the brisket in half to ensure that it will fit comfortably in your Instant Pot.

Apply the Spice Rub

A hand presses a dry spice rub onto a large, raw slab of beef brisket resting on a metal tray. The brisket has visible fat marbling—perfect for an Easy Brisket recipe with coarse seasoning scattered across the surface.

A large, raw beef brisket coated with seasoning sits on a metal baking sheet. The meat is marbled with fat and sprinkled with a dry rub, making it perfect for your next Easy Brisket recipe—ready to cook and full of flavor.

Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both pieces of brisket. Use your hands to rub the spices into the meat, making sure to cover all sides. The rub should stick to the brisket, infusing it with flavor.

Set Up the Instant Pot

Plug in your Instant Pot and press the “SAUTE” button. The display will show “On.” Let the pot heat up, which will take just a minute or two.

Cook the Garlic

A close-up of a metal bowl with a small puddle of yellow oil and an oil dispenser resting inside, ready for preparing an Easy Brisket. The oil is partially spread across the bottom of the bowl.

Sliced garlic and a small amount of olive oil in a stainless steel pot—perfect as the flavorful base for an easy brisket recipe or your favorite Instant Pot brisket.

Add olive oil to the Instant Pot. Once the oil is hot (about 1-2 minutes), add the minced garlic. Stir the garlic continuously for about 1 minute to avoid it burning.

Turn Off the Saute Function

Once the garlic is aromatic, press the “CANCEL” button to stop the saute function. This will turn off the heat, so the garlic doesn’t cook any further.

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Add the Brisket

Raw beef brisket coated with a reddish-brown dry rub and seasonings sits in a round metal pan, ready for cooking or marinating in this easy brisket recipe—perfect for an Instant Pot recipe.

Place both pieces of brisket into the pot. Arrange them so they fit comfortably, even if they overlap slightly. Be sure not to displace the garlic that’s in the pot.

Add the Liquid

A close-up of raw meat covered in spices in a metal pan, with marinade being poured over it—perfect for an easy brisket or Instant Pot brisket recipe.

A piece of cooked brisket sits in a dark broth inside an open Instant Pot, showcasing an easy brisket recipe on a white marble surface.

Carefully pour the beef broth around the brisket. Make sure to pour it along the sides of the meat, not directly on top, to preserve the spice rub.

Seal the Instant Pot

Place the Instant Pot lid on and turn it clockwise until it locks into place. Check the steam release valve and ensure it is set to the “SEALING” position. This is crucial for proper pressure cooking.

Start Pressure Cooking

Press the “PRESSURE COOK” button (or “MANUAL” on older models). Use the “+” or “-” buttons to set the time to 90 minutes. The Instant Pot will take 10-15 minutes to come to pressure before the timer starts.

Allow Natural Pressure Release

When the cooking cycle ends, the Instant Pot will beep. Don’t open the lid yet. Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes. Afterward, use a long spoon or tongs to carefully turn the steam release valve to the “VENTING” position. Wait until all the steam escapes and the float valve drops.

Open the Instant Pot and Remove the Brisket

A cooked piece of meat, perfect for an Easy Brisket, rests on a worn baking sheet with a fork and knife beside it. Part of a slow cooker is visible in the upper left corner against a marble background.

Once the float valve has dropped, it’s safe to open the lid. Turn the lid counterclockwise and lift it off. Using tongs, carefully remove the brisket from the pot and place it on a cutting board.

Slice and Put it Back in the Pot:

Slice the brisket before it's fully cooked, put it back in the braising liquid in the Insant Pot.

Look for the lines (grain) running through the brisket. Slice the meat across these lines (perpendicular to the grain) into thin pieces.

Set it for another 5 minutes on simmer, letting it soak up all the flavors piece by piece.

A person uses a fork and knife to cut cooked meat on a worn baking sheet. A pot with a lid sits in the upper left corner on a marble countertop, hinting at an Easy Brisket recipe or Instant Pot Brisket meal in progress.

Sliced cooked beef brisket garnished with fresh thyme on a baking tray, with a large knife and serving fork beside the meat—a perfect Easy Brisket Recipe for any occasion.

Rest the Meat

Let the brisket rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Storage

A white oval plate holds slices of cooked beef brisket garnished with fresh thyme. The tender, browned meat with visible marbling and juices makes this an inviting Easy Brisket ready to serve.

Once your brisket has cooled completely, transfer it into an airtight container. If you're storing the whole brisket, pour some of the cooking juices over the meat to help keep it moist. This ensures the brisket stays tender when you reheat it later. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

When you're ready to reheat the brisket, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) or use the Instant Pot on the "Sauté" setting. Add a small splash of beef broth to the meat to keep it from drying out, and heat until warmed through. This will help maintain the brisket’s juicy texture and flavor.

Top Tips for Instant Pot Brisket

Choose the right cut of brisket: For the best results, pick a brisket with good marbling and a fat cap. The marbling helps keep the meat tender and juicy during the cooking process. Don’t trim too much fat off, as it renders down and adds flavor to the brisket.

Don’t rush the pressure release: After cooking, let the Instant Pot do a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. This extra time allows the brisket to stay juicy and ensures it’s cooked evenly. Rushing this step can result in a less tender texture.

Use beef broth, not water: While you might be tempted to use just water for cooking, beef broth adds an extra layer of rich flavor. It helps create the steam needed for pressure cooking while also enhancing the brisket's taste.

Recipe

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